Court rules Duggan's name comes off ballot

DETROIT (AP) -- The former chief of Detroit Medical Center doesn't meet residency requirements to run for mayor and his name shouldn't appear on the ballot for the Aug. 6 primary elections, Michigan's Court of Appeals ruled Tuesday Mike Duggan, considered among the leading candidates to succeed Detroit Mayor Dave Bing, had appealed after a lower court ruled that he hadn't lived in Detroit a full year as required by city rules before filing to run. The appellate court agreed in a 2-1 ruling. The challenge was filed by mayoral candidate Tom Barrow. Both he and Duggan are Democrats, though the election is officially nonpartisan. Bing has decided not to seek re-election. Duggan's campaign released a statement saying he planned to "consider his options." Duggan, who served as Wayne County prosecutor from 2001 to 2003, became president and chief executive of the Detroit Medical Center in 2004 before recently stepping down. Duggan moved into Detroit last year from Livonia. Barrow argued that Duggan registered to vote on April 16, 2012, but filed nominating petitions April 2, 2013 -- about two weeks short of the 1-year residency requirement. Barrow said Tuesday that removing Duggan's name from the ballot "is the best solution for the city of Detroit." "The court in upholding the new Detroit City Charter restores Detroiters' faith in the objective rule of law and in treating all citizens the same regardless of wealth and stature," Barrow said in a written statement. Detroit -- with a budget deficit approaching $380 million -- is now operating under a state-appointed emergency manager, Kevyn Orr. That means Orr, not the city's mayor or elected City Council, has final say on all of Detroit's financial decisions. Orr, a bankruptcy attorney, is trying to get concessions from creditors and bond holders, as well as current and retired city employees to reduce about $17 billion in long-term debt. Published: Thu, Jun 20, 2013